Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills News, 9/5

Pieces are in place, now team must deliver - The Buffalo News
"But the talent is there, and the schedule is kind. If they stay healthy, and if Fitzpatrick is at least average, and if the coaching measures up, they actually have a decent chance to end the drought. I can’t believe I said it, but they should finish 10-6."

Bills' hopes for progress start with fortified lines - The Buffalo News
Mark Gaughan writes about the top strengths and weaknesses of the Buffalo Bills, saying that the front four is now a strength. He predicts 10-6 and a playoff spot.

Bills complete practice squad with DT - BuffaloBills.com
"Ross was on the Bills practice squad in 2011 for the last 11 weeks of the regular season when he was signed last October. The 6’3" 319-pound defensive tackle was on the team’s offseason roster in 2012 and was running third string in training camp on Buffalo’s defensive line before he was released in the roster cut to 75."

Bills bring back WR Martin; Brooks to I-R - BuffaloBills.com
"However, for a player to be eligible for recall they could not be placed on I-R prior to 4 pm today (Sept. 4th). The Bills listed Brooks as their "designated to return" player meaning the club has utilized it’s one and only opportunity to pull a player back off the I-R list."

Potter not the Bills first kickoff specialist - BuffaloBills.com
Read about the history of the Buffalo Bills' kickoff specialists here.

Johnson ready to shut the Jets up - BuffaloBills.com
"Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson joins Around the League to respond to the claim that he has 'Darrelle Revis' number.' Plus, hear how Johnson plans to tone down his end zone celebrations."

Bills Focus: Vets Prep For The Jets - BuffaloBills.com
"With the first regular season game quickly approaching, the Bills talk about what it takes to change gears from pre-season mode to a game that counts. "

Inside The Bills | DT Heard lands with Rams
"I knew it was a normal numbers game," Heard told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.. "It was nothing against Buffalo. They gave me a great opportunity and I love the organization for that."

Inside The Bills | Power rankings has Bills in lower middle
"NFL.com put out their NFL power rankings and Buffalo was ranked 20th overall."

Inside The Bills | Brooks named recall I-R player
"Under the new guidelines an NFL club can return one player on injured reserve to the active roster later in the season (at least 42 calendar days). "

Inside The Bills | Martin knows roster juggling
"Last year he made the 53-man roster with the Bills, but was released just days before the opener after the team picked up OT Sam Young off waivers from Dallas. A week later he was back on the roster when Marcus Easley’s medical condition surfaced forcing him to I-R."

Inside The Bills | Jets try out 2 recently release Bills
"According to ESPNNewYork.com’s Rich Cimini, New York tried out P Shawn Powell and WR Derek Hagan. Though conspiracy theorists will claim it’s an effort to get a feel for the Bills’ plans for Sunday’s game, this looks pretty legit."

Bills say Tebow won’t do anything in the Wildcat they haven’t seen | ProFootballTalk
"Bills quarterbacks coach David Lee is the former Dolphins assistant who taught the Wildcat to Sparano, and Bills receiver Brad Smith ran the Wildcat during his time with the Jets, so Buffalo’s defense should have plenty of help preparing. Unless Barnett is wrong, and the Jets have something up their sleeves that the Bills have never seen."

Bills look for way back from postseason wilderness - The Buffalo News
"When you talk to them, they always have a story about a particular game," says Bills safety George Wilson. "Season-ticket holders always let you know how long they’ve been season-ticket holders. They tell you about beloved family memories – from the Rockpile to a particular game. Our fans have been very supportive over the years. We can feel their excitement. You can sense they’re just as excited about the upcoming season as we are."

Bills re-sign Martin - The Buffalo News
"Martin, 30, played 14 games for the Bills last season and was used mostly on special teams. Brooks would have been a prime candidate for the gunner (wide) position on punt coverage. Martin can do that job. He tied for second on the Bills last season in special teams tackles."

Comparisons to opposing QBs favor Fitz - The Buffalo News
"The Bills are scheduled to face rookie quarterbacks five times and a sophomore with zero starts once. The Bills' lineup includes two quarterbacks who finished in the top half of the league in yards and only three in top half in passer rating."

Lions provide blueprint for Bills - The Buffalo News
"In rebuilding their franchise, four key components were mentioned by players. There are some notable similarities - and a few differences - to the rebuilding effort taking place here."

Devoted fans hope a playoff run is cooking - The Buffalo News
"I figure one day they'll pull it together and I want to be there," Norman said. "I experienced one playoff game against Jacksonville [in 1996, the Bills' last home postseason game]. I liked it."

Anticipating the highs and lows of next 17 weeks - The Buffalo News
"The Buffalo Bills' schedule is set up for a fast finish. If they start out 5-4, they're playoff-bound. Even if they start 4-5, they're in decent shape to make the postseason. Here's a look at the challenges ahead for the Bills the next four months."

Wait is over: Rex Ryan says Bills will see Tebowcat - The Buffalo News
"I think if we don't," Ryan said, "everybody's going to be like, 'Wait a second. You guys have been saying about this Wildcat, and we haven't even seen one snap of it.' But, sure, we're going to run some Wildcat. There's no doubt."

Eric Wood confident knee is ready for a full game - The Buffalo News
Asked whether he's ready for 50 or 60 plays when the Bills open the season Sunday at the New York Jets (last year, the Bills ran 53 and 67 plays, respectively, in their two losses against New York), Wood said: "Yeah, that should be fine. I have taken up to that many reps in practice already. Not necessarily in a game-like setting, so it will be a challenge, but I think I will be all right."

Bills not a sexy pick - The Buffalo News
"The Buffalo Bills are not a popular pick to make the playoffs."

Report: Jets work out Shawn Powell, Derek Hagan - The Buffalo News
"As for Hagan, the Jets have six receivers on their active roster, so there wouldn't appear to be any room for him unless they wanted to make a switch."

Enemy lines: What's going on with the NY Jets - The Buffalo News
"Here's what the New York media has written this morning about Gang Green:"

Bills-Jets provides early measuring stick - AFC East Blog - ESPN
"We are about to find out right away where each AFC East team stands when the Jets host the Bills Sunday at MetLife Stadium in the regular-season opener."

Bills: Big year could be in store for Andy Levitre, Jairus Byrd - CBSSports.com
"It's possible that both could command salaries that average anywhere between $5-7 million a season. The franchise tag could also be an option for one player if the Bills are unable to get deals done ahead of free agency. A tag would appear to be more likely for Byrd; the 2012 franchise tag at safety is much cheaper ($6.2 million) than along the offensive line ($9.3 million)."

AP Pro32 comments about Bills - Yahoo! Sports
Rich Gannon of CBS and Sirius has the Bills No. 12, while Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune has them 27th. Read the comments from a bunch of AP voters.

Johnson Prepares for Revis Rematch | wgrz.com
"It's the competition. I love it. With him being arguably one of the best cornerbacks in the league, I feel like it's an opportunity to put myself out there and let the world know that Stevie Johnson is a player in this league. It's just a competition thing. I've been fortunate enough to get a few passes on him and I'm working to get the 'W' though.. That's what counts most."